Aging & Independence

Sensory Impairments Impact Mental Well-Being

Nov 25, 2024 · Kate Brophy · Aging & Independence

You probably know that you will experience physical changes as you get older. However, most people also notice that their senses dull with age. These changes can be inconvenient, but a recent study from the University of Chicago Medicine (Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, September) suggests that they also … Read More

Frontline: Shingles; Liver Cancer; Hormone Replacement Therapy

Oct 29, 2024 · Rochelle Nataloni · Aging & Independence

Shingles Is Associated with Higher Risk of Cognitive Decline in Women Having a bout of shingles is associated with a 20 percent higher risk of subjective cognitive decline symptoms such as long-term confusion and memory loss, according to a study published in the August issue of Alzheimer’s Research & Therapy. … Read More

Don’t Mistake Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms for Normal Signs of Aging

Oct 29, 2024 · Rochelle Nataloni · Aging & Independence

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic condition affecting the central nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. In MS, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the nerve cells and their protective myelin sheath, leading to scarring. This scarring disrupts communication between the brain and the body, … Read More

New FDA-Approved Parkinson’s Drug

Oct 29, 2024 · UHN Staff · Aging & Independence

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new medication called CREXONT (carbidopa and levodopa) extended-release capsules for treating Parkinson’s disease (PD). CREXONT is an innovative oral medication that combines two types of drug release: immediate-release granules for quick effect and extended-release pellets for longer-lasting action. Current oral … Read More

Your Guide to Hip Replacement

Oct 29, 2024 · Kate Brophy · Aging & Independence

If you have osteoarthritis in your hip, there likely will come a time when nonsurgical treatment approaches are not sufficient and your doctor recommends joint replacement. The procedure involves removing damaged joint surfaces and replacing them with artificial ones. This is an intimidating prospect, but the decision to go ahead … Read More

Think Carefully Before Asking for Antibiotics

Oct 29, 2024 · Kate Brophy · Aging & Independence

Since their initial use in the 1940s, antibiotics have greatly reduced death rates from infectious illnesses. But recent research (Clinical Infectious Diseases, April 22) underlines the fact that the drugs often are prescribed for conditions they don’t treat. Other research suggests that even when these drugs are correctly prescribed people … Read More

Managing the Flu

Oct 29, 2024 · Rosanne Leipzig, MD, PhD · Aging & Independence

I recently received my annual flu shot—it’s something I schedule each year, as soon as the updated vaccines become available. Getting a yearly flu shot is the most effective way to avoid the serious complications that can accompany the flu in older adults (such as pneumonia). Most Americans are aware … Read More

Newsbriefs: Dementia; Kratom Alert; Double Mastectomy; AREDS2 Formula Benefits

Oct 29, 2024 · Kate Brophy · Aging & Independence

PD Dementia Less Common Than Previously Thought Research has suggested that about 80 percent of people who have Parkinson’s disease (PD) develop dementia within 15 to 20 years of being diagnosed with PD. But a new study (Neurology, Aug. 7) indicates that the risk of dementia may be lower than … Read More

Know Where to Go for Local Support and Advice

Oct 29, 2024 · Kate Brophy · Aging & Independence

If you are an older adult living alone, experiencing health issues, or taking care of a spouse or other relative who is dealing with chronic illness, there may be times when you feel as if there is nowhere you can turn for help and advice. You wouldn’t be alone if … Read More

Avoid the Flu This Winter

Oct 29, 2024 · Kate Brophy · Aging & Independence

Last flu season saw at least 35 million illnesses, 400,000 hospitalizations, and 25,000 deaths due to the virus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While that counts as moderate by the CDC’s standards, older adults remain the group hardest hit by the flu: Up to 85 … Read More